NEW YORK (Reuters) - The truck driver accused of causing a fatal car crash on a New Jersey highway that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan was driving 65 miles per hour (105 kph) in a 45 mph (72 kph) zone, federal investigators said on Thursday.

Truck driver Kevin Roper looks on next to defense attorney David Glassman (L) during his hearing at a courthouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey June 11, 2014. Roper, 35, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of vehicular manslaughter and assault by auto in connection with a pileup on a New Jersey highway that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan and killed another comic. REUTERS/John Taggart (UNITED STATES - Tags: CRIME LAW) - RTR3TAT1

Data recovered from the truck driven by Wal-Mart Stores Inc delivery driver Kevin Roper, showed the tractor trailer was traveling at a speed of 65 mph in the minute leading up to the fatal crash, according to the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report.

About half a mile (0.8 km) from the crash site, speed limit signs instructed drivers to reduce speed from 55 mph to 45 mph due to construction work ahead.

The report, which said the NTSB investigation is ongoing, also noted that the 35-year-old trucker from Georgia had logged over 9-1/2 hours of driving time by the time the crash occurred and had been on duty for 13-1/2 hours. Federal rules limit commercial drivers to logging a maximum of 14 hours at a stretch.

Last week, Roper pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of death by auto and injury by auto while operating his tractor trailer. Prosecutors said he had not slept “in excess of 24 hours.”

Roper, who is free on $50,000 bail, stands accused of failing to see traffic slowing in front of him on the New Jersey Turnpike and slamming into the back of the limousine van, which was carrying Morgan, who is best known for roles on the TV shows “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” and several of his associates.

The chain reaction crash early on June 7 involved a total of six vehicles, and killed a passenger in the limo van, comedian James “Jimmy Mack” McNair.

Morgan remains hospitalized and on Monday his condition was upgraded to fair from critical.

Wal-Mart has promised to cooperate in the state and federal investigation into the crash and said its drivers are among the safest on the road.